Virtual Volume Replication via Policy Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems face challenges in tightly integrating with hypervisors/virtualization environments, particularly in supporting granular replication of virtual machines, which is not effectively addressed by existing APIs like VASA 3.0.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating replication groups in a storage array, applying protection policies with replication rules, and mapping these policies to virtual machines, enabling consistent replication of virtual volumes across a remote system, leveraging a common replication engine for both native and non-native orchestration of VVol-based virtual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing APIs like VASA 3.0 are used for integration, then integration with hypervisors is achieved, but granular replication of virtual machines is not effectively supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the replication functionality by creating separate replication groups for different virtual machines and their virtual disks. Each replication group can be independently configured and managed, enabling granular replication control at the VM and virtual disk level, which resolves the limitation of existing APIs that cannot effectively support granular replication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple replication products are integrated, then replication capabilities are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal replication group structure that can work with multiple replication products (first and second replication products). The replication group serves as a common interface that abstracts the underlying replication product differences, allowing the system to leverage capabilities of multiple replication products without increasing operational complexity. The policy profile mechanism provides a unified way to manage replication across different products.
3Ease of operation
If replication policies are applied at virtual machine level, then granular control is achieved, but policy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses policy profiles that can be copied and applied to multiple virtual machines. Instead of creating unique replication policies for each VM, administrators can create a template policy profile and apply it to multiple VMs or replication groups, significantly reducing policy management complexity while maintaining granular control capabilities.
4Reliability
If consistent replication destination and frequency are enforced across all virtual storage devices, then replication consistency is improved, but flexibility in configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows different replication groups to have different replication destinations and frequencies tailored to their specific requirements. While each group maintains consistent policies across its virtual storage devices (ensuring reliability within the group), different groups can have customized configurations (providing overall system flexibility). This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by applying consistency at the group level while allowing diversity at the system level.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and computer system for creating, with a first replication product, one or more groups of a plurality of groups that is empty in a storage array. A protection policy may be applied to the one or more groups on the first replication product, wherein the protection policy may include a replication rule. A policy profile may be created by the second replication product, wherein the replication rule may be included to the policy profile. The protection policy may be applied to a virtual machine (VM). The policy profile may be applied to the VM. The first replication product may replicate one or more virtual volumes of the VM on a remote system based upon, at least in part, the replication rule.